Today marks 51 years of Bangladesh as an independent nation. Fifty-one years ago, in the face of a brutal massacre by the Pakistani junta, the Bangladesh Revolution was sparked. The freedom's flame endured because of the unwavering resolve and monumental sacrifice of millions of Bangladeshis. Over the course of five decades, Bangladesh has transformed itself from a 'bottomless basket' to a 'development miracle'.

As we observe the Independence Day, we recall the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose clarion call on 7th March inspired us in our fight with a courage of conviction and righteousness, and that of the national leaders who guided the nascent nation through the nine-month-long war. We also pay our deepest respect to all those freedom fighters, women, men, and children whose blood and sacrifices hallowed this land and freed the country of the occupiers.  

It was promised in our Proclamation of Independence that equality, human dignity, and social justice for the people of Bangladesh will be ensured. Although we have achieved many great things as a nation, the existing democratic deficit, curbs on free speech, ever-widening inequality, widespread corruption, and nepotism betray the promise of freedom for which our Muktijoddhas so nobly laid down their lives. On this momentous occasion, we should recommit ourselves to upholding the spirit of our Liberation War. Liberation is something that must be fought for and protected every single day.